Facial contouring

Facial Bone Pin Removal Surgery

Pin removal is a secondary procedure to take out the titanium fixators used to hold facial bones in place during contouring surgery. While these pins are safe to stay in the body permanently, many patients opt for removal once the bones have fully fused for personal comfort or privacy.

Who it suits

Patients who have completed their facial bone healing (6-12 months post-op).
Those who do not want metal pins to appear on future X-rays or dental scans.
Patients who feel psychological discomfort or sensitivity from having foreign objects in their face.

Technique highlights

Uses medical-grade titanium pins that are biocompatible and safe for long-term placement.
Quick procedure taking approximately 30-40 minutes.
Minimal downtime with return to daily activities in a few days.
Ensures permanent results of the bone contouring before removal.

Surgical steps

Pre-operative X-ray or CT scan to check bone union and pin location.
Administration of general anesthesia.
Small incision made through the original surgical site (usually intraoral).
Careful removal of the titanium pins and plates.
Wound closure with dissolvable or removable sutures.

Recovery & aftercare

No hospitalization required; patients can return home the same day.
Stitches are typically removed after 2-3 days.
Minor swelling may occur but usually subsides within a week.

Risks & things to consider

Pin removal requires another surgery under general anesthesia, involving standard surgical risks.
If bone union is not complete, the pins cannot be removed.
Removing pins that have been in place for many years (over 2 years) can be difficult as bone may grow over them.